The best coastal hikes in Canada

Tired of your usual cottage-country rambles? Looking for a great long-distance trail adventure? Strap on your multiday pack and tackle one of these bucket listers.

East Coast Trail

Photo courtesy of J. van Houwelingen

The east coast of Newfoundland, along the Atlantic OceanLength: 265 km (plus 275 km “undeveloped”)Slog-o-meter: Varies by sectionKnown for: Icebergs, whales, and lighthouses (oh my!)Cool feature: Cape Spear, on the Avalon Peninsula, is the easternmost point in CanadaMore info:eastcoasttrail.ca

Great Lakes Seaway Trail

The shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence RiverLength: 830 kmSlog-o-meter: EasyKnown for: Grapes, both wine and table; the Lake Erie area is the largest Concord grape region in the world.Cool feature: History alert! The area along the trail was a key front in the War of 1812More info: seawaytrail.com

Coastal Hiking Trail

Photo courtesy of www.adventure.com

The Lake Superior shore, in Pukaskwa National ParkLength: 60 kmSlog-o-meter: Moderately hardKnown for: Beautiful vistas of the world’s largest freshwater lakeCool feature: Pukaskwa park staff set out recorders in spring and summer to capture birdsong; they have recorded 47 species so far, including two species at riskMore info:pc.gc.ca/pukaskwa

West Coast Trail

The southwestern edge of Vancouver Island, in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.Length: 75 kmSlog-o-meter: ToughKnown for: Its “hiking Holy Grail” status; oh, and rain (it’s the Pacific Northwest)Cool feature: The Graveyard of the Pacific, site of some of the most famous shipwrecks in CanadaMore info:pc.gc.ca/pacificrim

Keep up to date with Dockside E-newsletter

Email:

Please enter a valid email address.

Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

By submitting your information via this form, you agree to receive electronic communications from Cottage Life Media, a division of Blue Ant Media Solutions Inc., containing news, updates and promotions regarding cottage living and Cottage Life's products. You may withdraw your consent at any time.